Schalmont grad bowls to gold medal in Hong Kong

Schalmont graduate Liz Kuhlkin, entering her senior season at the University of Nebraska, won a gold medal Monday as the U.S. claimed the girls’ doubles title at the World Youth Championships in Hong Kong.

Kuhlkin delivered a strike on her first shot in the 10th frame to lift her and Sarah Lokker to a 370-361 victory over Japan’s Shion Izumune and Kana Shimoide after Shimoide couldn’t match Kuhlkin’s effort.

A converted ninth-frame washout from Lokker helped Junior Team USA even the match heading into the final frame, but Izumune rolled a 10 pin to give Japan a one-pin advantage before Kuhlkin stepped up in front of a packed house and BowlTV.com viewers.

“Going into that frame, I just wanted to get the ball off my hand,” Kuhlkin said. “I’ve been in that situation before because I bowl anchor in college, but it’s so much different to step up wanting to make your teammates, coaches and entire country proud. It’s almost surreal right now, and it’s such an honor to be here representing our country.”

On the boys’ side, Sweden’s Markus Jansson and Pontus Andersson escaped with a 405-371 win against Matthew Farber and Kamron Doyle of the U.S.